The New England Patriots reinforced their tight end position by selecting Eli Raridon from Notre Dame as the 95th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This move signals a strategic decision by the Patriots to cultivate talent for the future, ensuring depth and versatility in their offensive scheme. Raridon's journey to this point has been marked by resilience, overcoming significant injuries to emerge as a promising prospect. His collegiate performance, particularly in his senior year, demonstrated his capacity to contribute meaningfully, while his impressive athletic testing at the NFL Combine underscored his potential to excel at the professional level. The Patriots envision Raridon filling a crucial role as a "Y" tight end, leveraging his unique combination of physical attributes and receiving skills.
This selection also highlights the Patriots' long-term planning, as they look to integrate Raridon into a veteran-led tight end group. While he is expected to initially serve as a developmental third option, his skill set offers a blend of blocking prowess and receiving upside that could prove invaluable. The team's continued investment in the tight end position reflects a commitment to a multifaceted offensive approach, where dynamic playmakers are essential. Raridon's addition is poised to inject new energy and potential into the Patriots' lineup, with the hope that he will grow into a key contributor alongside established players and future draft classes.
Raridon's Collegiate Path and Senior Season Breakout
Eli Raridon, a standout from Notre Dame, was chosen by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. His collegiate career, though initially hampered by two ACL tears, ultimately showcased his resilience and potential. Raridon, who turned 22 in February, played in 40 games for the Fighting Irish, starting 18 of them. Despite the early setbacks, he did not miss any games from his junior year onward, demonstrating remarkable durability. In his senior season under head coach Marcus Freeman, Raridon started all 12 appearances, achieving career highs with 32 receptions for 482 yards, though he did not find the end zone that year.
During his time at Notre Dame, Raridon accumulated 48 catches for 623 yards and three touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, he generated 184 yards after the catch in 2025, with an average depth of target of 8.1 yards. Notably, he caught all eight of his deep targets and drew two defensive pass interference penalties, highlighting his ability to make impactful plays downfield. His consistent improvement and reliable performance, particularly in his final year, positioned him as an attractive prospect for NFL teams looking for a resilient and productive tight end.
Physical Profile and Future Role with the Patriots
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 245 pounds, Eli Raridon possesses an athletic build that allows him to excel as an inline tight end. Last fall at Notre Dame, he played 66 percent of his snaps in this role, also frequently lining up in the slot. This versatility aligns perfectly with the New England Patriots' offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' vision for a multi-faceted "Y" tight end who can contribute in both the run and pass game. Raridon's impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine further solidified his prospect status.
He ran the 40-yard dash in a swift 4.62 seconds, showcasing his speed for a player of his size. His basketball background was evident in his explosive vertical leap of 36 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet 3 inches. These athletic metrics translated into a remarkable 9.46 Relative Athletic Score, placing him in the 81st percentile among tight ends tested since 1987. Beyond his receiving skills, Raridon is also highly regarded as a blocker, with 32 3/4-inch arms to aid in the running game and 20 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press. The Patriots envision Raridon as a developmental third tight end option, complementing veterans like Hunter Henry and Julian Hill, and potentially growing into a long-term starter who can create mismatches down the seams against off-ball linebackers.
